Chapter 1
WHAM!
“TERRY!”
“What the hell’s your problem, dude?” one of the skaters demands, “You come outta nowhere and beat the hell out of our bro here with that stick of yours and then you tell us to get the hell out of here?! The hell are you thinking?! You wanna die?!”
I didn’t respond and just starred at him with a blank expression. He gets pissed and comes running at me with his fist raised.
“Say something you-”
BAM!
“JOHNNY!”
“The hell’s with this guy?! He just beats people up with that stick just cause or something?!” Another of the remaining skaters asks.
“Wait, that ain’t no stick. I think that’s a bamboo sword!”
“Who the hell cares?! This guy is too much for us! We’ll get beaten to a pulp if we go against him!”
“SHUT THE HELL UP!” I scream.
I bring my sword down on the downed skaters back. He winces and the remaining skaters stare at me in fear. I bring my sword back up and they brace themselves but I point it behind me.
“All you fuckwits look over there!” I demand.
Behind me was a small vase knocked over and cracked with a flower in a puddle of spilled water. I look back at the skaters with a glare and they all flinch.
“I’ve got a few questions for you lot…” I sneer, “FIRST QUESTION! What is that behind me? YOU the fat one!”
“Uh-wh-me?” The guy I point at with my sword stutters, “Um, well I guess it’s for the kid who passed away about a week ago, right?”
BAM!
“CORRECT!” I shout.
I smash his nose in with the head of my sword. The two other skaters try to help their friend but they pause when they stare up at me as I continue to glare at them.
“SECOND QUESTION! Why is it knocked over?” I ask.
“Uh, it’s because we knocked it over when we skated by?”
“Interesting, then maybe…YOU SHOULD ALL APOLOGIZE TO THE KID?!?” I scream with a even more harsh glare while pointing at the empty air.
“AAAHHH! WE’RE SORRY! WE’RE SO SORRY! WE WON’T EVER DO IT AGAIN!” They yelp as they drag their downed buddies away with them.
To them it’s just air, but to me I’m pointing at a young boy who’s body is transparent and he’s looking at me with a perplexed expression. If it wasn’t obvious, yes, I can see ghosts but I like to call them spirits. How can I see them? Well, we’ll get to that part in a bit.
“Hey kid, sorry for using you like that,” I sigh while bowing my head apologetically.
“Oh it’s ok, mister,” the spirit says with a smile, “after all I’m the one who asked you to come help so it’s only fair I do my part.”
“If you say so,” I shrug, “I’ll come back and help you after I go home to my family. I’ll even bring fresh flowers.”
“Thank you mister,” he said as he waved.
I nodded and began my trek back to my house while slinging my bamboo sword over my shoulder. My name’s Kaito Kondo, by the way. Yes, I have a Japanese name but it’s only because of my late parents and my mother gave it to me so I decided to keep it. My father was American and my mother was Japanese and my father met my mother when he visited Japan once. I was born about a year after they were married and I lived a happy 6 years with them. That is until…we were involved in an accident that costed them their lives.
I don’t remember much about what happened that day but from what I recall I remember there was a lot of screaming, loud noises, and an explosion that knocked me out. When I came too, I was in a hospital bed covered in bandages. When I heard my parents were both dead, it didn’t register to me they were gone at the time.
The only things I have to remember them by were my hair and a necklace my father wore all the time. My hair is dirty blonde like my fathers and has chocolate brown streaks running through it that I got from my mother since she had the same color hair. I grew it out so it reaches to the middle of my back and I fashion it in a braided ponytail since that’s how my father always grew and styled his hair.
The necklace I now wear is a strange little talisman that looks like half a skull with a cross behind it but it’s my most precious keepsake and I never take it off for any reason whatsoever for a couple reasons. One is to keep my parents hearts close to me at all times and the other, well I’ll save that reason for later too. It was only after the funeral, when I watched both coffins containing my parents being lowered into their graves, I realized I was all alone now. Or at least I thought I was. I walked up to my house and sighed as I unlocked and opened the door.
“I’m home everyo-”
“THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?! YOU DELINQUENT NEPHEW OF MINE!”
I ducked down just in time before a man’s body came flying at me with its foot aiming at my head. I grabbed my sword and swung it upwards nailing the man right square in the crotch. The man squeals and rolls all over the floor while holding onto his bruised package and I sigh frustrated and stand up straight.
“For fuck’s sake Uncle Alex, would you quit trying to drop kick me all the damn time?” I said.
“Ugh, I swear that mouth of yours gets worse and worse every day,” I hear a voice behind me making me flinch.
I turn around and I see an elderly man looking at me with furrowed brows and I sigh and bow my head to him.
“I’m sorry Grandpa, but you know how he is,” I try to defend.
“Indeed I do know how he is, boy. He’s my son-in-law after all. While I don’t agree with his methods, he does have a point. You’ve been late for the past two weeks from coming home and missing the curfew,” Grandpa said.
“But Grandpa, you have to admit this “curfew” is ridiculous. Be home by 6pm? I barely have time to hang out with my friends and study at school,” I complain.
“No buts boy, you’ve got plenty of time to hang out with your “friends” on the weekends and you can study as much as you want at school and here in your own home. Now set your belongings near the door and go wash up. Your Aunt and Grandma are almost done making dinner,” he said while turning away and walking towards the dining room. I sigh and drop my bag and bamboo sword against the wall and was about to walk away while my Uncle was still writhing on the floor.
“And make sure you hang up that sword of yours on the rack as well. I don’t want to be having to trip over it again,” I hear Grandpa call out.
I groan and grab my sword strap and hang it on the coat rack. I look down and see my Uncle still clutching himself in pain and I roll my eyes and walk away. As I mentioned before, I thought I was all alone and I didn’t have anyone to take care of me since my parents were dead and I was an only child. But a group of people were nice enough to welcome me with open arms.
All my relatives from my dads side took me in and raised me for the past 10 years of my life. It was my Uncle, Alex Lance, my Aunt and my father’s sister, Mary Lance, my grandpa, Steven Lance, and my grandma, Lois Lance. Along with my two twin little cousins Randal Lance who likes to be called Randy and Jackson Lance who likes to be called J-Son. Don’t ask why he likes to be called that cause even I don’t know…
When my parents died, my grandparents immediately decided to move in with my Aunt and Uncle since they wanted to be near me at all times. Having close relatives who love and care for you is nice and all, but it’s just not the same since they’re not your parents. For 10 years they’ve all done they’re best to support me and be there for me in my time of need. They even went out of their way to enroll me in one of the best high schools in Canterlot City, Canterlot High School. I was originally supposed to go to Crystal Prep but they said it was too far and I should stay locally and closer to them.
My Aunt is a doctor, my Uncle is an electrician, and my grandparents run a drugstore a few miles down the road so you could say I’m part of a well established family. I didn’t really care though because it’s like I said, it’s nice to be with relatives but they can’t replace your parents. No matter how thick your blood ties with theirs.
Also, If you’ve been wondering why I carry a bamboo sword around with me it’s because of two reasons. One, I’m part of the Kendo Club at school which I’m one of their most skilled members. Two, my mother had done Kendo when she was in high school and I have a goal to surpass her and be just as great at the sport as she was.
Grandpa always told me how my father used to go on and on how my mother was one of the most well known Kendo fighters back in Japan. He said she was arguably the most skilled Hachi-Dan class fighters ever known and I always admired the hell out of that. It was because of my mother I took up practicing Kendo at a young age. I’ve been practicing it so much I became the youngest Rokudan class fighter just a few months ago when I wowed the examiners with my skills.
Anyway I walk into the dining room and I’m almost knocked to the ground by two familiar small bodies and I look down to see my little cousins, Randy and J-Son. They both look up at me and smile while hugging my legs and I chuckle a little as I pat their heads.
“Hey you squirts,” I said.
“Hey, big bro!” they both said, “are you gonna show us some more cool sword stuff?”
“Now boys,” I hear my Aunt call from the kitchen, “your cousin is probably too tired from school to do any “sword stuff”. Besides, it’s almost dinner time and I don’t want him all sweaty and smelly at the dinner table.”
They both frown and nod while stepping away but when they glance up at me I wink at them and smile again. I walk in the kitchen and see my Aunt and Grandma and they turn to me and smile.
“Welcome home, Kaito. I hope you haven’t been getting into any more trouble lately,” Aunt Mary questions.
“Trouble? Me? Come on, when have I gotten into trouble?” I ask. Both my Aunt and Grandma deadpan at me while arching a brow.
“Shall we recount the times we’ve gotten phone calls from your teacher Miss Cheerilee?” Grandma asks. I smile sheepishly and was about to say something but Aunt Mary cuts me off.
“Not to mention that one time Principle Celestia came to visit on account of your, “repetitive tardiness”?” Aunt Mary accuses. Again I flinch as I hear her name and I sigh and nod my head.
“Alright, I’ll admit I’m at fault for those times. But I keep telling you I don’t do that stuff anymore. And besides I still have pretty good reasons to all those times,” I defend.
“I’m sure you do,” Aunt Mary retorts sarcastically, “now come wash your hands and set the table, we’re almost done here. And boys can you please go and get your father? Wherever he is,” she said.
“I think Dad is taking a nap in front of the door…” J-son said while glancing towards the door. Sure enough, Uncle Alex is still on the ground and I think he’s passed out. I didn’t think I hit him hard enough but then again I did hit him in the nads so it’s understandable.
“Eh, he’s fine, let’s just get ready to eat,” I said.
Aunt Mary just sighs and nods and I wash my hands and set the table. During dinner my family, minus Uncle Alex, just talk about what they did today and I heard from Randy he’s got a crush on a girl in his class which made Aunt Marry pester him with questions about the girl. Thankfully Randy was too iron willed for her questions and kept his thoughts to himself.
After dinner I said goodnight to everyone and grabbed my stuff from the entrance and headed up the stairs to my room. With nothing else to do I opened my window for some fresh air and sat down at my desk to study a bit before sleeping since it was only a little after 8pm and the moon was out. A little while later, I’m brought out of my thoughts when I hear a familiar howl in the distance.
“Fuck, of all the times…” I growl, “Well I was planning to head out anyway.”
I stand up from from my desk and lay down on my bed. I reach in my shirt and pull out my necklace and stare at it.
“I hate using you, but you’re all I’ve got to remember them by and I still don’t know how I can do the things I do,” I said to it.
I then grasp the talisman in my hand and press it against my chest. Suddenly, I feel myself lift off my bed and I land in the middle of my room. I look down and I’m wearing a black kimono and white socks and sandals on my feet. Tied around my waist is an obi sash and on my right side is a katana sheathed in a white scabbard with a simple circle cross guard and white strapped handle grip.
I sigh and slowly grip my sword and and unsheathe it and listen to the metal rub against the inside of the scabbard. Once it’s fully unsheathed I listen to the sound of my sword shing and gaze upon the sharp blade. It’s metal reflects the moons light and illuminates my room a bit. Normally I’d be admiring its beauty but unfortunately I don’t seem to have time for that. I turn around and look down at my bed to see a familiar body laying there, which was my own unconscious body.
“You stay put,” I tell my body, “I’ll be back as soon as I’m done”
With that I face the open window and jump out and fly through the air while literally jumping on air. By now you’re all probably now wondering what the hell is going on. Well it’s quite simple really, I’m a Shinigami, or in other words a Soul Reaper.
How am I a Shinigami? Well that’s the million dollar question of the fucking decade and I have no earthly clue. I discovered these powers when I was 10 years old when I one day held the talisman on my necklace against my chest like before. When I opened my eyes I was for some reason on the floor and I saw my own body on my bed. I was even wearing the same kimono I have on now. Thinking it was just a dream I laid myself back in my body and woke up like nothing happened.
Although the second and third time I did it I realized it wasn’t a dream. It wasn’t until a few months later I was visited by a certain man who came to visit me while I was out of my body. I won’t go into full detail yet, since I’m currently about to do something very important, but all I can say for now is the man who visited me told me things about my new powers that shocked me to the nth degree. He even trained me for 6 long years turning me into the supposed warrior I am now. Even now I’m still training, for what specifically I don’t know.
To some this would probably be the coolest thing to happen to them but for me it just feels like a curse. I didn’t ask for these abilities of mine yet I somehow got them regardless. Every time I use the talisman to leave my body and become a Shinigami I always end up in a bad mood since there are certain entities lurking around at night. What entities you may ask? Well you’re about to find out.
I fly towards the south of Canterlot City and focus my sights. There in the distance were five abnormally huge shadows walking through the streets with red glowing eyes. I stop flying and start assessing the situation.
“Five of them Hollows huh?” I mumble, “Not to mention they’re huge. Guess your sealed form won’t be enough, don’t you think?” I said while looking at my sword. It pulses it’s energy to me and I smirk as I look at back at my targets.
“Yeah, me neither. Let’s get this done so I can send that spirit on it’s way like I promised,” I said while beginning to kneel.
I bend down on one knee and hold my sword with both hands. I close my eyes and concentrate on my sword and release my energy while combining it with my sword. I grip my sword tighter and start to pull my sword handle in opposite directions.
“Rest in Peace…Spirit Hunter!” I call out.
I open my eyes as my sword glows and it starts to change and split in two. What was once a seemingly normal katana was now not one, but two double edged straight swords. The swords handle in my right was still white but the cross guard was in the shape of a shuriken star and the sword in my left was the same but the handle was black. The blades themselves had also changed since they now had a slight crimson blue glow to both of them. To finish off my new form was a white cape that draped over my shoulders down to the back of my knees and flowed in the wind.
I stood up from my kneeling and gave my swords a few practice swings. Satisfied, I gripped both my swords and looked towards my targets with a serious expression.
“That kid is waiting for me, so let’s not keep him waiting for too long,” I tell my right sword. It gives one last shine and I launch myself towards my enemies. I raise my swords above my head and prepare myself for the fight to come.
5 hours later
pant, pant, pant, “Fucking hell that was a workout…” I sigh.
I look around slightly out of breath and gaze upon the battlefield. Five huge deformed bodies of the Hollows I slayed were scattered around the area motionless and were all fading away. Each and every one of them had huge slashes across their bone masks and some were even missing limbs. As they faded away, I relaxed my stance and lifted my two swords up in front of me. I concentrated as I brought them both together and they started to glow until they became one and my katana was now in both my hands and the cape on my shoulders disappeared as well.
I sighed and sheathed my blade and turned around. Before I took to the skies, I looked over my shoulder and watched as the last of my foes faded away.
“I don’t know who any of you were, but I hope you end up in the place I hoped to send you so you can begin a new life one day free of sin. But if any of you committed too many crimes while you were still human, well all I can say is where you’re going is not a place of comfort…” I said as they finally disappeared.
I sighed again and took to the skies with a blank expression. Slaying Hollows sometimes helps calm my nerves and it’s what they deserve so they can move on, but that doesn’t mean I like what I do. Seeing those tortured spirits turn into something monstrous and dark always made me depressed, even the souls who were evil in life don’t deserve this even if they still go to Hell.
A few minutes later I arrive at the place where the spirit of the young boy was and land. As I walk towards the lamp post I grab a few flowers along the road. I stop just under the light and kneel down to pick up the broken vase and put the flowers inside. I stand back up and feel a presence behind me and I smile.
“I told you I’d be back,” I said as I looked over my shoulder. Sure enough, the young boy was starring up at me with a smile and he walks around and looks at the flowers I left for him.
“You also remembered the flowers,” he said happily. I chuckle and reach down and tussle his hair and he giggles. One of the few things I find to be enjoyable about these powers are I can interact with spirits both visually and physically, even when I’m still in my own body.
“One thing you should know about me kid, I always keep my promises,” I said as I reach for my sword again. “Now then,” I said, “you ready to go?”
“Yeah, I’ve been in this world long enough. I’m sad to leave but I know can’t stay forever. Maybe one day when I’m reborn we’ll meet again in life. When that day comes, do you think we can still be friends?” He asks. I smile and unsheathe my sword and raise the hilt up to his forehead.
“Of course kid, my name is Kaito Kondo by the way,” I said as I perform the Konsō and tap his forehead. His body starts to glow and fades away.
“I’ll remember that big bro Kaito, my name is Lucky Star,” he said and fades away completely. All that was left was a black Monarch butterfly that fluttered away into the night sky. I nod satisfied knowing where he’s going and decide since I’ve done my duties for the night I’ll head home.
About 10 minutes later, I arrive at my house and jump up to my rooms open window and land gently on the floor. I turn around and see my body still motionless and unconscious and I even noticed that the rest of the lights in my house were off. I glanced at my nightstand and see it’s 3am making my eyes widen.
Damn, took longer than I thought this time, I groan in my head.
I sigh and sit on my bed and prepare to enter my body when I hear a phone ringing from my kimono’s pocket. I reach in my pocket and pull out a flip phone I can only use when in this form called my Spirit Phone. I look at the little screen and read a familiar name making me smirk a bit as I open the phone and hold it up to my ear.
“Hello, Sensei,” I said.
“You know you could sound a bit more happier when answering the phone,” my sensei quips.
“What exactly do you expect me to do? Throw a party every time you call?” I retort.
“Well I wouldn’t be opposed to it since it’s you throwing the party,” he playfully teases.
“You should know I took down another group of Hollows tonight. They were huge like the group last week and the one two weeks ago,” I informed him.
“Hmm,” was all he said.
“Hmm? That’s it?” I ask.
“Well what do you want me to say?” he asks.
“I don’t know, maybe call someone and have them investigate why there’s been abnormally large Hollows appearing? I mean it’s one thing for a group of regular sized Hollows to show up but these groups have been huge, like twice the size of a house,” I said.
“Yet you managed to take care of them yourself, right? I doubt there’s any need to call anyone and besides, who exactly can I call? You want me to call one of those guys from the-”
“NO!” I shout cutting him off, “It was bad enough the first time they came after me and you and I both know they’ve got they’re eyes glued on me on all I do! One slip up, one phone call, one anything is all it’ll take for them to swoop in and ruin everything for me!”
“Jeez Kaito, calm down. I was merely making a suggestion. Plus you’re overreacting if you think they’re constantly watching you. Not to mention, even though most of them may be against you, the old man will always be on your side,” Sensei said.
“I know,” I sigh as I run my hand through my hair, “it’s just…I never asked for any of this.”
“I’m aware, you’ve mentioned it many times,” Sensei sighs over the phone.
“I just wish I had some answers, Sensei. It’s been driving me up the fucking wall for 10 years now,” I groan.
“I wish I could tell you something, Kaito, truly I do. But even I don’t know why or how your father had that talisman. If those guys over there know then they’re probably not saying anything for your own good. At least, that’s what I think,” Sensei consoles.
“Yeah,” I snort, “a lot of good that’s doing me…”
“Well as much as I want to continue this conversation, I have some business to take care of. Keep up the good work and keep looking after that city of yours. I’m sure it’ll all work out eventually,” Sensei said.
“I wish you were here to help improve my training, you’ll be proud to know I can hold that new power we’ve been working on together for five minutes now,” I said.
“Well there you go, something to be happy about! Also, it’s funny you mentioned that because I’m actually planning to come visit someday,” Sensei said.
“Wait, really? When?” I ask.
“Oops! I gotta go, see you soon Kaito!” Sensei said before hanging up.
“Sensei? Sensei! Ugh, I hate it when he does that…” I grumble. I close my Spirit Phone and put it back in my pocket.
I sigh and glance at my unconscious body and shake my head as I lay down submerging myself within my body again. I few moments later I open my eyes and I look down to see I’m back in my body. I feel a little groggy since it feels like I’ve been sleeping even though I was wide awake the whole night. I reached into my shirt again and pulled out my necklace with the talisman hanging off it.
“One of these days, I’m gonna fine the answers I seek. I will find out what happened that day and I will find out why I was left alive with these damn powers,” I remind myself of my promise.
My eyes start to droop and I place my necklace back under my shirt and turn my body over and close my eyes. One thing about me is that I can fight invisible monsters all the live long day and I’d rather be doing that than face the most grueling challenge I deal with on a weekly basis. My second year at Canterlot High.
Author's Note
This was something I had been pondering about for a while. Also I got a little more inspired since the anime is making its return in a year! Hope you all look forward to it and don’t worry, I’ll be sure to work on my other stories as well! Thanks for reading!
~WurkyWilk has left the building…
Chapter 2
“GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRNNNNIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNGGGGG KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!”
CRASH!
“GYAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!”
I’m rudely awoken by my moron of an Uncle when he once again attempts to drop kick me even while I’m still asleep. Thankfully, due to my sharp reflexes, I managed to dodge his attack and grab my sword and slam him on the ground while pressing the tip against his nose.
“God damnit, Uncle Alex!” I shout, “What kind of Uncle are you who tries to attack his own nephew as he sleeps?!”
“Ah, you’ve improved my nephew. I suppose I have nothing more to teach you-gah!” I cut him off by hitting his stomach again with my sword.
“”Teach me” my ass, you crazy man…” I groan while rubbing my head, “Please leave my room so I can get ready for school.”
BEEP BEEP BEEP
I look over on my nightstand and see my clock reads 7am and the alarm had just gone off.
“A little late, don’t you think?” I deadpan at my clock as I shut the alarm off. I sigh and grab my uncle by the collar and drag him out of my room and dump him in the middle of the hallway. Randy and J-son were out of their room looking at their groaning father and look back up to me.
“Again?” They both ask.
“Again…” I repeat.
“We’ll bring him to mom,” they said as they said as they walk over and drag their father away.
I sigh and return to my room and pick out my clothes for the day and hair tie from my nightstand. I bring my clothes to the bathroom and knock to see if anyone else was inside. When there was no response, I opened the door, place my clothes on the counter, locked the door after I shut it, and removed my boxers and stepped in the shower.
Having long hair like mine can sometimes be a drag to wash but thanks to my Aunt and Grandma I now sort of have a better handle how to properly take care of it. About five minutes later I step out of the shower and wrap one of my towels around my head and use another to dry my body. Yeah that’s right, I do what girls do with their hair with mine, so what?
A little while later, I step out of the bathroom fully clothed wearing jeans, black shoes, white long sleeved hoodie, and a black T-shirt over it. I walk back to my room and grab my backpack and bamboo sword and shut the door behind me as I walk back downstairs.
I’m greeted by the familiar smell of breakfast being made by my grandma which always makes me smile since she always manages to wake up earlier than everyone else, even my grandpa. I walk into the kitchen and see her over the stove and she looks over her shoulder and smiles at me.
“Good morning Kaito, did you sleep well?” She asks.
“Yeah, you could say I slept like I was unconscious,” I said as I placed a hand over my necklace as I grabbed a banana.
“That’s quite the bold statement, Kaito. But I suppose it’s true since your cousins couldn’t wake you up last night,” she said making me almost choke on the fruit.
“Wh-What? They came to wake me up?” I ask nervously.
“Yes, they wanted to share a late night desert they sneaked with them back to their room and decided they wanted to share it with you. When we caught them up, they said they couldn’t wake you so you must have been quite tired to not be woken by them,” Grandma said.
“Uh, yeah you’re right. Kendo does have a hell of a workout routine,” I sigh as I take another bite of my fruit.
“Yes I suppose, here’s your breakfast by the way. I’ll braid your hair while you eat,” she said as she slides a plate of pancakes towards me. I nod as she finishes washing her hands and takes the hair tie I give her and begins to braid my hair and I eat my breakfast.
“Kaito, are you sure you don’t want a haircut? I know it has a sentimental value to you but doesn’t all this get in the way?” Grandma asks as she braids.
“Grandma, you know why I keep it long and braided like this. This may sound silly, but if I were to even cut an inch of it off it’d be like I’m disrespecting their memory,” I said as I took another bite.
“I’m sure that’s not true but it is your hair so you may do as you please,” she said as she finishes the last braid, “there we are, all tied up and ready to go.”
“Thanks Grandma, you always know how to tie my hair just right,” I said as I run my hand over the braid.
I take a few more last bites of my breakfast and stand up and sling my backpack and sword over my shoulders and head towards door. My little cousins were already waiting for me with smiling faces and I chuckle as I put my jacket on.
“We’re headed out everyone!” I call out.
“Oh Kaito hold on a moment!” I hear Aunt Mary call out.
I turn around and see her walk towards me in her doctors coat while she’s putting on one of her earrings.
“I forgot to tell you last night that we’re going out of town for a month,” she said making my eyes widen.
“What do you mean “a month”?” I ask. I feel a tug on my jacket and look down towards Randy.
“Our school is going on an educational field trip in a few days. J-son and I are bringing mom and dad since it’s also a parent and child field trip so they can learn with us so you’ll be alone with Grandma and Grandpa for a while,” Randy said.
Wait, so that means no surprise drop kicks from Uncle Alex for a month? Oh hell yeah! I think while smiling to myself.
“Now Kaito, just because you’re only with your grandparents doesn’t mean you get free range of the house. They’re still in charge so I expect you to still follow the rules around here,” Aunt Mary said as she does her makeup.
“Yeah!” I hear from the top of the stairs, “That means no throwing parties all the love long day and drinking like a drunk, Kaito!” Uncle Alex said as he tucks in his shirt and walks down the stairs. I groan and was about to retort but Aunt Mary just grabs him by the ear and walks past my cousins and I and out the door while Uncle Alex whines in protest.
“I’m sure he’s just exaggerating but I do agree with him to a degree. Will you promise me you won’t get into any trouble while we’re gone?” She asks while still pulling Uncle Alex’s ear.
“I promise, Aunt Mary. Besides I’m only 16, how much trouble can I possibly get into?” I joke.
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll find a way,” Aunt Mary deadpans, “now come along dear, it’s off to work for us.”
“Owowowowowo ok ok! Please let go of my ear!” My Uncle yelps. Aunt Mary sighs and releases his ear before stepping into her car and starting it. My Uncle grumbles and shrugs his shoulders at me before getting into his pickup truck.
“Oh and one more thing,” my Aunt says as she pulls out of the driveway, “because you managed to get your license last month, your uncle and I have decided to allow you to use his pickup while we’re away. We’re putting a lot of trust into you so I expect you to keep your word.”
I was a bit shocked at her proposal but I nodded and smiled I waved her and Uncle Alex goodbye. I only personally got my license just for the hell of it but I didn’t realize I didn’t have a car to drive. But it’s convenient for my family just in case they need someone to drive my grandparents somewhere too far for them to walk or if they need me to run some errands for them in case they’re too busy. I look down at my cousins and smile as I tussle their heads and the giggle up at me.
“Shall we be off?” I ask.
“Yeah!” They both said and we begin our trek to school.
It’s been about 10 minutes of walking and I’m now by myself since my cousins split from our walk towards their school. If my interaction this morning with my grandma wasn’t obvious, I guess it’s as good a time as any to mention that my family has no idea about my powers.
I mean, how exactly can I tell them? I try not to think about it since it’d just be a waisted effort and they most definitely wouldn’t believe me anyway. Although I will say I personally feel like I dodged a damn bullet no thanks to my cousins trying to wake my body up while I was busy fighting Hollows. It’s bad enough they’re worried about me and my sometimes violent tendencies but swear it’s not my fault. Why shouldn’t I take the blame?
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Demon Eyes,”
This is why…I groan and look over my shoulder and see the one guy I always want to avoid running into every morning. Blueblood is his name and it’s a damn understatement of the century when I say he’s a complete ass. Since day one of my enrollment at CHS he’s always had it out for me and I’ll never understand why. What makes him more of an ass is not just the way he over gels his hair which makes it look more greasy than garlic, not the fact that he literally wears the same suit and bow tie to school every day, but how he calls me Demon Eyes.
Why does he call me this? Well it’s a bit personal but I have Heterochromia Iridum, in other words my eyes are different colors. Fun fact about this, while most kids inherit one of their parents eyes, I managed to inherit both my parents eyes thanks to this condition. My right eye is ice blue like my dad’s and my left eye is mint green like my mother’s. I personally don’t mind this, in fact I welcome the idea of having both their eyes since it’s just another thing added to remember them by. Yet this shitheel somehow manages to go out of his way to make my school life miserable.
“The hell do you want, Blueblood,” I sneer as I turn away from him. In a literal huff he stomps up past me and blocks my way making me stop and look at him with his arms crossed.
“That’s Prince Blueblood to you, Demon Eyes,” he snorts.
“You really should stop calling me that, Blueblood,” I growl as I reach up to my bamboo sword.
“I can call you whatever I damn well please, Demon Eyes. And you can’t do shit to me with that stick of yours because you know what will happen if you do…” he said with a smirk.
I stop reaching for my sword as I’m reminded of the last guy who did something similar to what I was about to do. Apparently someone had enough of Bluebloods bullshit and tried to go after him. Only he wasn’t able to do much since he was apparently caught steeling school funds from a charity a girl named Fluttershy was running. The faculty found the envelope of donations in his locker and accused him of theft so he was expelled and even arrested them sent to Juvenile Hall.
At first everyone thought he was guilty but they all soon realized he was set up by this prick. How he managed to steal the donations without getting caught was asked around by a lot of people. But everyone knew how, it’s because he’s Principal Celestia’s and Vice-Principle Luna’s nephew. As hard to believe as that may be, it’s unfortunately true. I can only assume he used his “family connections” to steal the donations and plant it in the guys locker so he wouldn’t be in trouble.
“Yes that’s right,” he boasts, “I’m the Prince of Canterlot High and whatever I say goes. If you don’t want any trouble you’ll do as I say, Demon Eyes.”
“Whatever…” I snap and walk past him.
“And just where do you think you’re going, peasant?” He asks.
“To school, where else?” I counter.
“I don’t remember giving you permission to leave since you haven’t payed the toll,” he said.
“Funny, I don’t recall there ever being a toll,” I said.
Blueblood walks ahead of me and looks over his shoulder with his damn nose in the air as he smirks.
“Oh but there is, Demon Eyes, the exact toll is $20 to continue walking to school. Along with a $5 tax since you were so rude to me earlier,” he said.
“You’re real riot, Blueblood. There’s no way in hell I’m paying you shit,” I sneer as I walk past him again.
“Are you sure you want to do this? I can make anything happen that will make your life quite unpleasant,” he threatens.
I stop in my tracks and grab my bamboo sword and swing it around and point it mere inches from Bluebloods nose and he goes wide eyed as I glare at him.
“You listen and listen well, Blueblood. I don’t give 7 shades of shit what you say or any empty threats you toss my way. Your self proclaimed rule over the school is gonna get you into trouble one of these days and your family ties won’t save your when that day comes, I fucking guarantee you that…” I said in a murderous tone, “So do me, more importantly yourself, a favor and stay the hell away from me.”
With that I slung my sword back over my shoulder and continued walking to school.
“You won’t get away with this, Demon Eyes! You’ll regret crossing me one of these days!” He shouts. I snort and just flip him off behind me as he proceeds to make more empty threats but I just drown them out by pulling out my ear buds and phone and play some music the rest of the way to school.
“Fucking prick…” I mumble as I press play.
I eventually make it to the main building of CHS and sigh satisfied I managed to finally make here without any more drama. As I’m walking towards the entrance along with the other students I notice some of them are starring at me. I would understand if they were starring at me nervously or in slight fear due to my appearance. I mean a guy like me, with hair and eyes like mine, and carrying a bamboo sword wherever he goes? Even I’d be a little cautious if I would be cautious if I were them. But unfortunately it’s not what it may seem since I start hearing what they say as I pass them by.
“Hey, it’s Kaito!”
“It’s always nice to see the ace of the Kendo Club in the morning.”
“What’s up Kai!”
“Good morning Kaito.”
“Hi Kaito~”
“Man, I wish I could grow my hair out like that…”
“Oh gag me…” I groan under my breath as I try to ignore them.
Yup, somehow just because of my appearance and Kendo skills I became arguably one of the most popular kids in school. Personally, I find it annoying how popular I am because there’s always eyes on me wherever I go at school. The students here either wanna be my friend to boast that they know me, girls sometimes try to ask me out so they can brag to their friends, and the teachers always call on me in class because I seem to pay more attention during the lectures.
It’s never a dull moment at this school and I’ve been dealing with it since freshman year, even though I’m a sophomore now. I walk through the doors continuing to ignore my “fan club” and make my way to my locker. As I spin the combination in my lock, I feel someone playfully slug my shoulder making me skip a number making have to start over.
“You know, one of these days you’re gonna regret messing with a guy who can literally stab you in the gut,” I chuckle as I finally open my locker. I turn around to face one of my good friends, and probably the only decent human being in this school, Flash Sentry.
Flash and I have been friends since middle school and he’s always had my back whenever I needed someone to scratch it. He too is one of many who doesn’t put up with the Blueblood bullshit and sticks up for anyone who can’t defend themselves against him. Like me, he’s also kinda popular around here but he’s one of the more modest ones so he doesn’t flaunt himself wherever he goes, unlike a certain douchebag we both know, and I respect him for that.
“Guess I’m on a good streak since I’m still in one piece, Kai,” he said.
We both laugh and fist bump before giving each other a bro hug and I turn back to my locker to organize my belongings and he leans on the other lockers.
“So, you slay any scary monsters last night?” He asks out of the blue.
I snap my head towards him and cautiously look around to see if anyone else was listening. Thankfully everyone else was too busy with their own agendas but that didn’t stop me from shooting him a glare.
“Say that louder your idiot, I’m sure people didn’t hear you,” I snap sarcastically.
“Ok,” he shrugs, “So Kai! You slay any-“
“Any opponents in my last Kendo match?! Oh yeah Flash, I slayed them real good!” I cut him off by covering his mouth with my hand. Some students stare for a moment but return to their antics and I shoot Flash another glare.
“Damnit Flash!” I whisper to him as I back away.
He laughs and I roll my eyes as I collect my books and pencil case for my first class. Yes it’s true, Flash knows my secret and he’s the only one who does. He may not see me whenever I turn into a Shinigami, but he’s seen first hand a few years ago what happens to my body whenever I do. I’ve even tested my talismans affects to see if he leaves his body same as I do and sure enough he did and it was very funny watching him freak out seeing his own body on the floor while he was a spirit.
After managing to calm him down, I gave him a rough explanation how my power works and why I do what I do. It took him a bit to process what he was told but he surprisingly was more ok with it than I thought. In fact I get the feeling he’s a bit envious of my powers, not sure why but I guess someone as laid back as him sometimes likes a little danger in his life. Especially since he’s told me it feels like he’s keeping the identity of a super hero and he’s like my sidekick or something. Yeah, he wishes…
Sensei once told me it’s my choice whom I tell about my power, only I should be sure I can trust them as if I trust them with my life as they trust me with theirs. During my early years of training, I so desperately wanted to tell my family about my powers and even show them what I could do just as I showed Flash. But again I was afraid of what they may say and how they’d react so I always avoided the thought. Even though I had Sensei, I still felt alone keeping this secret to myself. So when I met Flash I felt like I could depend on him since he seems like a trustworthy guy.
“If you must know I did take on five huge Hollows, as they’re supposed to be called, last night. Things were twice as big as houses so I had to use my swords released form,” I explain as I close my locker and adjust my bamboo swords strap on my shoulder.
“Damn that sounds awesome,” said in awe as we walk to our classroom, “you think you can bring me along next time you go out?” He asks.
“Are you nuts?” I deadpan, “There’s no way in hell I’m bringing you along, not after last time.”
“What? I said I was sorry,” he defends.
“You blurted out loud ass cheers when I insisted you stay put, out of sight, and not to make a sound. You almost got your soul eaten, or worse, corrupted by the Hollow! I would never have brought you along in the first place if you hadn’t kept pestering the shit out of me to bring you with me. Besides, that was a one time thing to begin with and it’s my fault for thinking I could handle it with you in the other world while I fight. You need to understand, Flash, this isn’t a game. It’s life or death whenever I go fight but for you it’s literally death all the time. One fuck up, and that’s it,” I lecture.
Flash frowns and looks away and I only sigh and place a hand on my friends shoulder.
“I’m not trying to put you down, man, I just need you to understand the seriousness of what I do.”
“No, you’re right, once was more than enough and I shouldn’t bother you anymore about it. I just think it’s cool how you’re basically a super hero and no one else but me knows it,” he reminds me again.
“I know,” I chuckle, “although I wouldn’t go as far as calling me a super hero.”
“Oh you definitely are Kai, you can say all you want but you’re still a super hero,” he said.
The first warning bell rings and we both arrive at our classroom and we both take our seats. I sit in the middle of the classroom and lean my sword behind my chair and Flash sits to my left. My first class is History Class and it’s with Miss Cheerilee so I’m not worried about paying too much attention since History is one of the easier subjects. The second bell rings and all the students stand at attention as Miss Cheerilee walks in the classroom.
“Good morning class,” she greets.
“Good morning Miss Cheerilee,” we respond.
“I hope you all finished last nights homework, so all of you place it on your desks and I’ll come collect it as I pass by,” she said as she writes down today’s lesson.
“Oh crap, I forgot to do it last night!”
“Seriously? I told you to sign off last night or you’d regret it.”
“I was on the last boss of the game! I was on a roll and I couldn’t stop!”
“Hey man, can I see your paper real quick? I forgot to write down some answers before I went to bed.”
I can’t help but chuckle at what I hear as I pull out my own finished assignment and place it on the desk. One thing I’m good at is multitasking so I can balance my school life and Shinigami life accordingly.
“That’s what happens when you don’t micromanage your time accordingly,” I chuckle quietly.
It was 3pm in the afternoon and I was hanging out by the school statue in front of the building with Flash and a few of his buddies. Kendo practice was canceled since a couple of the senior members couldn’t make it today. I was just making small talk with Flash when I catch a glimpse of of something down the road.
It was an elderly man and he looked a bit lost in thought. I would’ve payed it no mind but when someone came up behind him and literally walked through him, I immediately realized he was a spirit.
“Hey Flash,” I said making him turn his head, “can you come with me back to the lockers? I forgot one of my books.”
Flash recognizes my coded message and nods and he walks with me back to the school. Once inside, we make a detour to the gymnasium and we walk towards the bleachers.
“Is it another monster?” He asks, “I thought they mostly appear at night.”
“No, it’s just a wandering spirit. I’d rather send him on his way now than do it later,” I said as I set my stuff down.
“Where is it again you send them?” He asks.
“It’s called The Soul Society,” I said as I sit down and lean back.
“You ever gonna tell me about it?”
“One day, but not right now,” I said as I reach into my shirt and pulled out my necklace.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes, look after my body until I get back,” I said as I press the talisman on my chest.
I leave my body and appear next to Flash in my Shinigami robes as my body slumps into the bleachers. I run past Flash out of the gymnasium and out the front doors. I look around and sure enough the old man spirit is still walking with a blank expression in front of the school. I sigh and walk up to him and he notices me and stops to face me.
“Have you come to claim my soul, young reaper?” He asks.
“Not really, I’m just gonna send you to a place where you’ll be at peace so you won’t have to continue wandering around aimlessly,” I said as I unsheathed my sword and readied the hilt.
“I see, I passed away a few days ago and I watched as my children and grandchildren laid me to rest. I lived a life of great value surrounded by my loved ones but I have a strange feeling that I wish I could have lived just a tad longer. I suppose God had other plans since he felt like it was my time,” he sighs.
I pause my actions and think on his words. He seems so sad he died but was happy he was surrounded by his family. I have my family who also love me and I love them but I get the feeling it’s not the same love I used to feel with my parents. Has their death truly affected me so much I can’t move on? What if one of my grandparents pass away and I don’t shed a single tear despite being sad. Am I that broken…?
“Hey old man,” I said making him look up at me, “what’s it like to be loved by your family?” I ask.
“Hmm, a strange question to ask but a question none the less. Being loved by your family is a glorious feeling. My wife and I spent over 50 years together before she passed away. Our children and grandchildren always convinced us to keep our frail hearts beating right until they couldn’t anymore. Before I passed away, I told my family something that I know they will always keep to their hearts,” he said.
“What’s that?” I ask.
“Don’t cry because I’m leaving, smile because I was here for you,” he answers with a smile.
For the first time in years, I feel something wet fall down my cheek. I reach up and wipe my face to see a tear dampen my finger. Maybe this old man was right, I’ve been so sad that my parents weren’t around anymore I forgot the most important thing. They were there for me despite the short time we were together and they would want me to be happy.
I haven’t even given my own relatives a chance to let them in and I’ve always selfishly treated their love for me like it was second to my parents. I look to the sky as a couple more tears leave my eyes and think about all I’ve done since I discovered my power. It’s the same with the kid I sent to the Soul Society as it is with this old man. I’m helping them move on so they can be at peace. If only the Hollows I fight weren’t so tortured I’d be able to help them more effectively without resorting to violence.
“You shed tears for this old spirit, young reaper?”
I look down and see the old man looking at me with the same warm smile. I smile back and shake my head and wipe my tears as I ready the hilt if my sword again.
“No, just rethinking my life choices is all. You ready to move on?” I ask.
“Yes of course, I look forward to seeing my wife again,” he said.
I then preformed the Konsō and sent him on his way to the Soul Society and watched the black monarch butterfly flutter away. I sheath my sword and sigh and walk back towards the school.
“I should really talk to someone about this…” I mumble.
“Well it won’t do any good if you talk to yourself, Kondo.”
I freeze in place as a chill goes up and down my spine. That voice, I know it anywhere but why, why of all people is he here…?
I slowly turn around and I gasp at who I’m facing. There, standing in front of me with his arms crossed, wearing a black kimono like mine and a white haori over it, was Captain of the 10th division of The Gotei 13, Tōshirō Hitsugaya.
“Captain…Hitsugaya?” I mumble in shock.
“Hmph, I see you’re still as clueless as ever, Kondo. It’s been a while since I saw that blank face of yours. Still have your hair abnormally long as usual?” He mocks.
Author's Note
Oooh, Tōshirō makes an appearance! Wonder what he’s got to say to Kai? Find out in the next chapter! Thanks for reading!
~WurkyWilk has left the building…
